Navigating Life's Milestones: Finding Happiness and Success

Life is a series of challenges, moments of depression, enduring failures, and the quiet solitude that often comes hand in hand with these struggles. How we navigate these challenges, and whether we feel content or not, is deeply rooted in our personal values and ambitions.

Defining Success: Work Hard, Work Smart

Many believe that to be a successful person, you must work hard and smart. Yet, is it truly the case that hard work guarantees everything you desire? The reality is, for many, this concept leads to confusion and a struggle to make the right career choices in their twenties. While education and hard work are valuable, they are not the only factors that determine success. The key lies in understanding what makes you happy and aligning your career path with your personal values.

Shaping Your Career in the Early 20s

Deciding on a career path can be a daunting task, especially at the age of 20. The academic path doesn't always lead to the professional one. For instance, engineering students often find themselves writing government exams rather than starting their career as engineers. The question then becomes, what is the best career for you? What truly makes you feel happy?

My suggestion is to identify your own passions and values that define you. Spend the early 20s exploring different career paths. Maybe teaching, dancing, singing, or preparing for government exams, pursuing being self-employed or working in a corporate environment in IT, accounting, sales, or digital marketing. This list is endless. Take the time to research, vacation solo, or travel widely to gain a broader perspective.

Reflecting on Achievements

As for what I have achieved in life, I won't disclose the remainder as I have learned from experience that publicly sharing these segments can sometimes attract envy and unwanted interference from others. Over the years, I have accomplished many goals, but my journey has not been without its tumultuous moments.

A Personal Anecdote: Achievements and Heartbreaks

In Russia, there's a saying that a man must accomplish three things in life: have a son, build a house, and plant a tree. From this perspective, I consider myself an accomplished person, especially since I now endeavor to see my own children graduate from university and eventually become a grandfather. My life's final goal is to pass away peacefully in my sleep.

My journey is filled with personal aspirations, including coming to France and falling in love with the man of my dreams, which I did in 2002 and was fulfilled in October 2004. For over a decade, our relationship till 2022 brought joy and was a dream come true. However, in March 2022, my narcissistic boyfriend of 15 years discarded me, demonstrating the harsh reality that a dream can quickly turn into a nightmare.

The truth is, you should be careful with the dreams you wish for, as they can be manipulated by others, leading to unforeseen and detrimental outcomes. It is far better to not have loved and feared the potential pain, than to have loved and suffered significantly.

Life is a complex tapestry of successes, failures, and personal revelations. The path to happiness and success is deeply personal and requires both hard work and a deep understanding of one's own values and aspirations. By making informed choices and embracing the journey, you can navigate through life's challenges with grace and purpose.